A Closer Look at Astigmatism and Contact Lenses

If you have astigmatism and you don't wear contacts, then you'll be interested to hear this. Contact lenses can actually be a way to correct the condition. A typical cornea is spherical, but in the case of someone with astigmatism, it's more elliptical. This changes the way light enters the eye, and as a result, vision is unclear.

Contact lenses that correct this condition, which are called toric contact lenses, are constructed from exactly the same material as regular spherical contact lenses. What differs between toric lenses and regular lenses is the design. Compared to ordinary lenses, which have the same power throughout the lens, toric lenses have two different powers; one which addresses astigmatism, and one for trouble with distance vision. They have curvatures at different angles. Due to their multiple powers, toric lenses need to remain in place on your eye. This is different from normal lenses, which can move around on your eye and not affect your sight. Toric lenses are therefore weighted on the bottom, and this helps them stay in place on your eye.

There are multiple scheduling options for toric contact lens users, including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses. If you like to wear colored or multifocal contact lenses, there are toric lenses made to suit your needs too. Hard contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable lenses, provide a stronger shape which helps them stay in place, but they aren't always as comfortable as soft lenses. Rest assured, there's a contact lens which is just right for you.

Toric contact lens fittings can sometimes need more time than regular contact lens fittings, due to the fact that these lenses are slightly more complex. Still, with constant improvements in eye care, those with astigmatism can take advantage of the benefits of contact lenses, with many options to choose from.